THE NINE ELEMENTS OF DIGITAL CITIZENSHIP

RESPONSIBILITY IN TECHNOLOGY

Digital citizenship is the norms of appropriate, responsible

technology use.

WHAT ARE THE NINE ELEMENTS?

1. Digital Access 2. Digital Commerce 3. Digital Communication 4. Digital Literacy 5. Digital Etiquette 6. Digital Law 7. Digital Rights & Responsibilities 8. Digital Health & Wellness 9. Digital Security

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ELEMENT 1

It is essential that all students have access to technology in order to participate in a digital society.

Example of proper use: All students are issued a tablet to carry out digital assignments.

Example of improper use: Digital assignments are issued without ensuring all students have a

device and internet access.

DIGITAL ACCESS Full electronic participation in society

ELEMENT 2

Students must be instructed how and when to make online purchases in order to be conscientious consumers.

Example of proper use:

Students are taught the potential dangers of credit card debt.

Example of improper use: Teachers fail to instruct students how to protect themselves from

identity theft.

DIGITAL COMMERCE The electronic buying and selling of goods

ELEMENT 3

Students must be taught what forms of electronic communication are appropriate for each situation.

Example of appropriate use: Social media is used as a platform for idea sharing for an assignment.

Example of inappropriate use: Students use social media to engage delicate personal

communication.

DIGITAL COMMUNICATION The electronic exchange of information

ELEMENT 4

Students must learn how to use all the tools provided by technology so they can begin to independently determine proper use.

Example of proper use:

Students participate in an online class that integrates new tech tools as the course progresses.

Example of improper use:

Students fall behind in content for inability to engage digital assignments.

DIGITAL LITERACY The process of learning and teaching about technology and the use

of technology

ELEMENT 5

Global proliferation of technology requires a global standard of appropriate behavior in a digital society.

Example of appropriate use:

Students use a chat room to provide constructive criticism.

Example of inappropriate use: Students use social media to bully others.

DIGITAL ETIQUETTE The electronic standards of conduct or procedure

ELEMENT 6

Technology users have a legal and ethical obligation to use digital outlets as they were intended and not engage inappropriate behaviors.

Example of appropriate use:

Teachers instruct students how to avoid illicit content on the web.

Example of inappropriate use: Teachers ask students to see a film without providing them a licensed version to

view for free.

DIGITAL LAW The electronic responsibility for actions and deeds

ELEMENT 7

Citizens of a digital society expect that their rights to access,

membership, or freedom of expression will be guaranteed. Digital citizens have a responsibility to respect the rights of others.  

Example of appropriate use:

Students learn to properly cite material they find and use.

Example of inappropriate use: Students use technology to cheat on a test.

DIGITAL RIGHTS & RESPONSIBILITIES

Those requirements and freedoms extended to everyone in a digital world

ELEMENT 8

While technology use can enhance efficiency and creativity, prolonged use can cause  physical health problems.

Example of appropriate use: Teachers create adequate break time from computer use to stretch and

increase blood flow.

Example of inappropriate use: Students are allowed to slouch for extended periods of time.

DIGITAL HEALTH & WELLNESS Physical and psychological well-being in a digital technology world

ELEMENT 9

As internet access becomes ubiquitous, so do the threats of hacking, data theft, cyber-terrorism, and phishing.

Example of appropriate use:

Student are taught how to install and maintain proper antivirus software.

Example of inappropriate use: Students share passwords with one another.

DIGITAL SECURITY The electronic precautions to guarantee safety

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES 1. Digital Access - Digital Access Project 2. Digital Commerce - ISTE Connects 3. Digital Communication - Campus Suite 4. Digital Literacy - Teach Hub 5. Digital Etiquette - Brain POP 6. Digital Law - Digital Hawks 7. Digital Rights & Responsibilities - Sophia.org 8. Digital Health & Wellness - Cune Digital Citizenship 9. Digital Security - Stay Safe Online